Hinged refuse disposal unit

ABSTRACT

This invention is a novel apparatus that can be used to alleviate the physical strain and stress of removing the often times heavy contents of garbage or refuse cans. It is essentially a typical garbage or refuse container of any applicable size that is fitted with a single hinge or multiple hinges. These hinges can be molded to the body of the garbage can or can be affixed separately. The garbage or refuse container is essentially divided in two with the hinge on one side and latches on the other. The edges of the garbage container can also molded to have a tongue and groove connection for added strength and support when the can is in its whole, enclosed position. The invention also has a ring that snaps into place on the top rim of the invention when in its closed position that is used to secure any plastic bag around the upper rim of the garbage can as well as add extra structural support. The invention is novel in that it facilitates side removal of a garbage containers contents. The user simply releases the latches and pushes the side portions of the garbage can apart. The sides pivot open because of the hinge on the opposite side of the can from the latches. The bottom of the garbage container simply slides out from under the garbage bag or contents of the garbage container. When the contents are removed the user will simply push the half portions back together, the tongue and groove edges, if utilized, will meet and secure and the latch component will be secured forming a whole garbage or refuse container once again.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/690,919, filed on Jun. 16, 2005.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. Patent Documents 1,157,008 October, 1915 Lang 220/6 1,238,993 September, 1917 Edwards 220/825 1,959,790 April, 1929 Katzman 232/1 3,063,591 November, 1962 Laginestra 220/4.22 4,964,630 October, 1990 Curtiss 482/50 5,088,667 February, 1992 Olson 248/101 5,123,562 June, 1992 Bullard, et al. 232/43.1 5,348,222 November, 1994 Patey 232/43.2 5,372,271 December, 1994 Miller et al. 220/263 5,901,872 May, 1999 Zollinhofer, et al. 220/573 6,824,005 November, 2004 Ashinhurst 220/495.07

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENTIAL LISTING,” A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Technical Field of Invention

The general purpose of this invention is to provide or facilitate an easier method in which to remove garbage or refuse from within a garbage container that utilizes plastic bags or the like by allowing these bags to be removed from the side of the container as opposed to lifting the contents, which can be heavy, vertically, up and out of the container. This invention uses a single hinge or multiple hinges placed on half portions of the body of the garbage or refuse container to facilitate the opening of the container in such a fashion as to allow the bag, or other contents, to be removed from the side thus reducing strain on the person removing the contents.

(2) Description of Prior Art

Refuse containers or garbage containers or cans are extremely common devices that can be found in all shapes and sizes and can be located in virtually every household and business. There are numerous patents on the design and function of these garbage cans, especially those capable of utilizing plastic bags.

Unfortunately, many of these inventions, although they have made attempts, have fallen short in facilitating an easy method by which the bag can be removed with minimal effort. This invention meets that unmet need in that it facilitates removal without the need to lift the plastic bag vertically. Today's plastic bag manufacturers are constantly designing and selling plastic bags with larger weight capacities and garbage can manufacturers produce garbage containers to meet the needs of most any consumer. With the added size and weight capacity of the bags comes an increase in the actual weight of a full bag. When filled with heavy objects, from grass and leaves to metal, these bags can be very difficult to lift from within the garbage can in a vertical fashion. This can place great physical strain to the point of injury on even the most physically fit and strong people. This invention's purpose is to alleviate that strain and facilitate an easier more efficient removal process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus that consists of a garbage or refuse container divided into two half portions. These half portions that together form the whole garbage or refuse container body are connected together by a single hinge or multiple hinges that allow the garbage container to be opened or split from the side about a single axis of rotation. The invention also consists of a circular, square or rectangular, depending on the shape of the can or bin, cap piece that is used to hold the plastic bag in place when inserted into the garbage container in such a manner as to hold refuse or garbage.

This invention aims to facilitate easy removal of plastic garbage bags and the trash, garbage or refuse they contain without the need for vertical force being applied to lift the bag from the container. There are inventions that allow for side removal of garbage bags by essentially placing doors on the sides of the containers. This invention does away with the need for doors in that it essentially allows one to remove the container from the bag and its contents.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a hinge mechanism that allows the container to be pivoted open about a single axis of rotation in such a manner as to facilitate removal of the bag or the contents of the trash can laterally as opposed to vertically.

The apparatus consists of two separate half portions of equal size that when pressed together form a whole garbage container or refuse disposal unit. It consists of side walls and a bottom. As with typical garbage containers, this apparatus is not limited to one size and can be manufactured in virtually any applicable size. Also, this apparatus is not limited in shape as it can be manufactured in square form, rectangular form, or cylindrical form as evidenced in the drawings.

When the two half portions are connected and pressed together a typical garbage can is created with side wall portions and a bottom. The edges of the two half portions can be molded to form a “tongue and groove” connection for added strength and support when the garbage can is in its closed position. The top portion of the garbage container formed is left open so as to allow the user to place a plastic or other applicable bag or refuse holding device within the garbage container as well as to allow the user to place garbage or refuse material in the can without the use of a bag or container. As is typical of most garbage containers and the like, a top can be place on this apparatus when desired by the user.

The hinge or hinges are attached to the edges of the two halves of the garbage container vertically. The typical utilization of a hinge mechanism is a single hinge attached to the vertical edge of the half portions. This hinge can either be separately attached to the half portions or may be molded as part of the half portions with a rod running through the center of the molded hinge components or hinge rod receiving knuckles. A single hinge works well, but the invention can be manufactured to utilize more than one hinge if desired. Once again, if more than one hinge is utilized, the hinges can be attached separate from the half portions of the garbage can or can be molded as part of the half portions.

The hinge or hinges will allow the garbage container half portions to pivot open or shut, depending on the use. The hinge mechanism allows the can to shut completely, just as a typical garbage can. Likewise, the hinge facilitates an opening of the garbage can to allow the contents to be removed in a horizontal fashion. This horizontal removal of the contents of the can is the ultimate purpose of invention and the hinge facilitates this movement.

On the opposite vertical edge of the half portions from the hinge mechanism are latches or clasp that lock the garbage can in its closed position. Like the hinge or hinges, these latches or clasp can either be attached to the half portions of the can separately or can be molded as part of the can as evidenced in the drawings. It is preferable to utilize more than one latch or clasp, although one centrally located latch will meet the task.

The molded latch can consist of two parts, a top portion and a lower groove or notch. The top portions, when more than one latch is utilized in the invention, will be evenly spaced on one vertical edge of one half portion. The corresponding groove or notch will be at the exact location as the top portion on the opposite edge of the other half portion of the can. This top portion will snugly fit over the groove or notch and lock in place by a lower lip meeting the another lip on th opposing notch. The latch will essentially nap in place and can be opened by the user by applying an outward force to the top portion of the latch which dislodges the top portion of the latch from the groove or notch. As previously stated, the latch or clasp does not have to be molded to the body of the invention. Any appropriate clasp or securing mechanism can be attached to the half portions of the garbage can. When the invention is in its closed position and the latches are secured, the corresponding cap piece is placed over the top of the garbage can to hold any garbage bag in place as well as provide more structural integrity to the garbage can.

If the user is utilizing a plastic bag, the garbage or refuse can will first be placed into its closed position and the user will insert the bag as is typical in virtually all garbage containers by opening the bag and placing the upper rim of the bag around the upper rim of the garbage can. This invention has a plastic, rubber or any other applicable material, ring that fits over the top of the can and bag. This ring acts to secure the bag in place, especially when the bag is being filled.

When the user desires to remove the contents of the garbage container he or she will first remove the rim or cap piece that is snapped in place around the upper portion of the garbage can itself. If the user is utilizing a plastic bag, that user will want to secure the top of the bag with the bags drawstring or other applicable closing method before removal from this invention so as to prevent any spillage from the bag during removal.

If the user has placed contents inside the container without utilizing a bag, they may simply remove the upper securing rim or cap piece and open the latches and pivot the can open by pulling the half portions of the garbage can in opposite directions. The hinge or hinges will allow the garbage container to be pivoted open about a single axis of rotation while maintaining a connection on the opposite side from the opening. Lateral side removal of the components will then be possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. illustrates the invention while in a closed position, as that of a typical garbage can, and also illustrates the upper securing rim as well as the latches in their closed position.

FIG. 2. illustrates the invention from a side angle in which the single can be viewed along the side of the garbage can and the latches can be viewed on the other side.

FIG. 3. illustrates the invention as it appears when it is in its open position with the single hinge being pivoted open. This is the position of the garbage can during side exit or removal of the contents of the can.

FIG. 4. Illustrates the tongue and groove connection that can be utilized on the can for structural rigidity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains a plastic, rubber or other applicable material, garbage or refuse can typical of those found in most households and businesses. However, this invention comprises a novel single hinge or multiple hinges that allow the user of the garbage to pivot the can open in such a manner as to allow for side removal of the contents of the garbage can reducing muscle strain or physical stress on the user.

Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the invention in comprised primarily of two half body portions (2) of a typical garbage can and may be manufactured with a tongue and groove edge (5) that runs vertically and connects the two half body portions (2) when they are pressed together. This tongue and groove connection (5) is not essential but can add to overall structural stability. The two half body portions (2) are connected together by a single hinge or multiple hinges (3) that are either molded to or separately affixed to the vertical edges of the half body portions (2).

Referring to FIG. 1 through 3 specifically, the hinges (3) on the invention are comprised of either the same material as the half body portions (2) if they are molded as one piece, or the hinges (3) can be affixed to the half body portions (2) separately. If a single hinge (3) is utilized, whether it is molded as part of the half body portions (2) or separately connected, it is preferably that it run at least 60% of the length of the vertical edge of the half body portions for stability and durability purposes, although this percentage is not the exclusive percentage, only a preferred embodiment. If a molded hinge embodiment is utilized it may be constructed of integrally mounted or molded, longitudinally spaced and aligned hinge rod receiving knuckles (9) which have an exterior surface and an interior surface for reception of the hinge rod. If more than one hinge (3) is utilized, whether molded or separately affixed, it is preferable that the hinges (3) are located far enough apart to establish sufficient durability, stability and rigidity.

Referring to FIG. 1 through 3, the invention has latches (4) on the opposite side of the garbage can from the hinge or hinges (3) that are located on the vertical edge of the half body portions (2). Like the hinges (3), the latches (4) can be molded as part of the half body portions (2) or separately affixed. It is preferable that more than one latch (4) is utilized to maintain structural stability when the garbage can is in a closed position and under strain from the contents within the garbage or refuse container. One embodiment for the latch (4) when it is molded is a top portion and a lower notch (6). The top portion of the latch (7) will fit securely over the notch (6) when pressure is applied. A lip on the top portion of the latch (7) will securely fit over a lip on the lower notch. Both components of the latch (4) will be molded to the half body portions of the garbage can. When the garbage can is closed and the half body portions (2) of the can are pressed together the top latch portion (7) will fit over the notch. The top latch portion (7) will be molded to one vertical edge and the notch (6) to the other at identical heights and locations on the half body portions (2) of the can. This is just one possible embodiment for the molded latch (4). Non-molded, separate latches (4), buckles or clasps could also be attached to the half body portion of the can in a like fashion. There simply needs to be a means by which the half body portions may be secured together opposite the hinge to form a structurally sound refuse container.

Referring to FIG. 1, the invention has an upper ring (1) that is placed on top of the garbage can when the can is in a closed position. This ring (1) snaps firmly to the upper rim (8) of the garbage container and lends extra structural support to the container. The ring (1) also aids in the securing of any bag, plastic or otherwise, that is placed around the upper rim (8) of the garbage can.

Referring to FIG. 1 through 3, the essence of this invention is its ability to pivot open about a single axis of rotation using a single hinge (3) or multiple hinges that can pivot open allowing for side removal of the contents of the container. The use of the hinge (3) allows a typical garbage container to essentially be split in half vertically. The bottom portion of the garbage can slides out from under the contents of the can and the side portions pull away from the contents of the garbage container.

Referring to FIG. 3, the invention is illustrated in its open form so as to facilitate side removal of the contents of the garbage can. This position can be accomplished by opening the latches (4) and pulling the half body portions (2) in opposite directions The hinges (3) on the opposite side of the garbage can will stay intact and will pivot open. For the user to accomplish this simple task, they should remove the upper ring (1) from the garbage can. If there is a plastic or other type bag within the trash container, it is recommended that the user secure this bag and its contents by closing the top of the bag. The latches (4) can be opened with minimal outward force to dislodge the lower lip of the upper latch portion (7) from its connection with the groove portion (6) on the latch on the opposite half body portion (2) of the garbage can. When the latch portion (4) is removed the invention can be pivoted open by applying force to the invention in such a manner as to separate the two half portions of the body (2). The tongue and groove edges (5), if utilized, as seen in FIG. 4, will separate as outward pressure is applied by the user. The invention will then be in its open position for side removal of its contents. This side removal will greatly reduce strain on the user as they will not have to remove the contents in a vertical fashion. Therefore, the user is not fighting the total force of gravity as well as the weight of the contents. This is particularly useful in the removal of heavier objects such as bags full of leaves, pine straw or grass clippings that can be particularly heavy, especially when wet.

DRAWINGS

The drawings referenced in this application are attached hereto. 

1. A refuse disposal unit consisting of: a refuse disposal container with a primary opening at the top; the refuse disposal container vertically divided into two half body portions; the two identical half body portions with sides and a bottom of equal size and shape; the two half body portions being connected along a vertical edge by a hinge that facilitates a pivotal range of motion about an axis of rotation; multiple latches or connecting buckles on the opposite vertical edge of the half body portions from the hinge; a ring or cap piece that fits securely over the top edge of the half body portions when the portions are pressed into a closed position to form a refuse disposal container.
 2. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: the hinge being molded to the vertical edge of the half body portions with an external rod placed within the hinge rod receiving knuckles when the half body portions are connected along the half body portion's vertical edge.
 3. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: the hinge comprising a plurality of integrally-mounted, longitudinally-spaced, longitudinally-aligned hinge rod receiving knuckles, the hinge rod receiving knuckles each further comprising an exterior surface and an interior hinge rod receiving surface;
 4. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: the hinge as a separate component externally affixed to the half body portions.
 5. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: more than one hinge being utilized along the vertical edge of the half portions.
 6. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: molded latches to the half body portions on the opposite vertical edge from the hinge, the latches consisting of a upper latch portion and a lower groove portion on opposing sides of the vertical edge at corresponding vertical heights with the upper latch portion fitting securely over the top of the lower grove portion;
 7. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 6, further comprising: a lip component on the underside of the upper latch portion that secures over a lip component on the lower groove portion of the latch.
 8. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: externally mounted latches, buckles or clasp utilized to connect the half body portions on the opposite vertical edge from the hinge.
 9. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: half body portions that are square or rectangular in shape.
 10. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: half body portions that are spherical or circular in shape.
 11. The refuse disposal unit as in claim 1, further comprising: edges of the half body portions being molded to have a tongue and groove connection with one vertical edge of one half body portion having a u-shaped groove and the opposite vertical edge of the opposite half body portion having the straight edge tongue that facilitate a secure connection when the half body portions are pressed into a closed position.
 12. A method of utilizing the apparatus, comprising the steps of: releasing the latches or buckles to enable the invention to be pivoted to an open about a single axis of rotation from a closed position; removing the ring or cap piece from the top of the invention; applying opposing lateral forces to the invention on the side opposite the hinge in order to pivot the half portions of the invention open about the axis of rotation: removing the contents from the invention; applying lateral forces to the half body portions towards one another to close the invention about the single axis of rotation; securing the latches or buckles; securing the cap piece on the top portion invention.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein: a trash bag is used with the invention and secured and removed when the invention is pivoted to an open position.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein: refuse is contained within the invention without the use of a bag or like container and the refuse is removed when the invention is pivoted to an open position. 